Conference background
Improving the public health of societies has become of particular importance. Nature is increasingly recognized as being an influential determinant of human health and well-being. There is growing evidence that access to forest and green areas has physical, psychological and social benefits. Likewise, there is growing evidence that the sense of connectedness with nature that results from positive nature-based experiences leads to the development of positive attitudes and behaviours towards nature and its protection.
Several countries have now designed and implemented many forest policies related to using forests for human health and welfare, based on scientific evidence, including countries in Asia and North America.
In that context, in collaboration with Mexico’s National Forestry Commission (CONAFOR) and the UBC with the support of the Asia-Pacific Forest Research Network (APFNet), a Webinar Series on Forest Therapy is being organized.
This Webinar Series will cover the current state of international knowledge on forests and human health; the identification of areas that would benefit from increased research on forests and human health, and will seek to promote collaboration and partnerships to facilitate related work and research.
In times of global crisis, international collaboration in health research for advancing knowledge and strengthening institutional capacity is of increasing relevance.
The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a heavy toll on the health systems, as well as on the economy and societies around the world. In that sense, it has become of even greater importance to look into the essential services that forests can provide to people during difficult times.
